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From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has applauded Governor Hyacinth Alia for what he described as remarkable progress in the state’s industrial sector.
Professor Soyinka, who was in Benue on a courtesy visit to Governor Hyacinth Alia, gav the commendation after inspecting ongoing work on projects in Makurdi including at the Food Basket Brewery, and the Benval Fruit factory, all flagship industrial projects initiated under the Alia administration.
Before the inspection, Soyinka held a closed-door meeting with Governor Alia at the Presidential Wing of the Governor’s Lodge. The session was attended by the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, alongside other senior government officials. The delegation later visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp along Gbajimba Road.
At the camp, the Nobel Laureate expressed profound sympathy for the displaced families and reaffirmed his commitment to their wellbeing. He noted that part of his visit was to follow up on the use of books he had earlier donated, assuring the IDPs that “all hope is not lost.”
The delegation then proceeded to tour the Food Basket Brewery along Gboko Road and the Benfruits Factory at the Industrial Layout in Makurdi. Professor Soyinka hailed Governor Alia’s infrastructural drive, particularly the ongoing road and underpass projects, expressing confidence that Benue State is “on the path to optimal growth and development.”
At the Benval Fruit Factory Prof. Soyinka and Governor Alia were visibly impressed by the facility’s expanding capacity. Engr. Henry Boager, who conducted the tour, confirmed that the Benfruits Factory has successfully completed test runs and is fully ready for concentrate production.
Speaking to journalists, Governor Alia reiterated his earlier directive urging orchard farmers to prepare for a robust harvest season, stressing that the new factories require a steady supply of oranges. He restated his policy stance that “by December, no oranges would leave Benue State,” emphasizing that all produce should be processed locally.
BIPC GMD Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, disclosed that the company has mapped and collected data on about 5,600 orchard farmers through geo-fencing, ensuring a reliable chain of suppliers for the fruit-processing factories.
Professor Soyinka’s visit marks a strong endorsement of the state’s industrialization agenda, further elevating the profile of Benue’s emerging agro-industrial hub.
